How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is an ancient medicine dating back more than 3,000 years, with some estimates putting its origination at 5000+ years ago. Acupuncture treatment consists of the insertion of very thin, single use, sterile needles into a selection of more than 360 acupuncture points located on the body. Most patients report that they do not experience any pain at all on insertion. The specific acupuncture points are selected based on the individual needs of a particular patient. Once inserted, the needles stimulate the movement of qi and blood throughout the body resulting in increased circulation, decreased inflammation, and improved functioning of the body as a whole.
Acupuncture improves the overall functioning of the body’s immune and organ systems and has proven effective in:
- Treating existing illnesses and injuries
- Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness
- Improving overall health
What it Treats
In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a review of clinical trails of acupuncture, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials. As a result of this publication, the WHO recognizes 28 diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to be an effective form of treatment. These include:
- Digestive Disorders (IBS, Crohn’s, Reflux, Heartburn, etc)
- Sciatica
- Musculoskeletal Pain (Back, Knee, Neck, etc.)
- Headache / Migraine
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Respiratory Disorders (Seasonal Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough)
- Depression / Anxiety / Stress
- Addiction (Tobacco, Alcohol)
- Weight Loss
- Insomnia
- Hypertension / Hypotension
- Nausea / Vomiting / Morning Sickness
- Infertility
- Menopausal Syndrome
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Auto-Immune Disorders
- Adverse reactions to Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy
The World Health Organization (WHO) serves as the authority for health and healthcare within the United Nations system and is the leader on global health matters. In addition to playing a key role in medical research, establishing healthcare standards and policy, the WHO also monitors and assesses emerging trends in global health.